Edward J. Costello Courthouse - Burlington, VT

Edward J. Costello Courthouse

Facility Overview

The Edward J. Costello Courthouse, located at 32 Cherry Street in downtown Burlington, is a central hub for the Vermont Judiciary in Chittenden County. This facility houses the Criminal and Family Divisions of the Vermont Superior Court, serving as the venue for a wide range of legal proceedings. Unlike the nearby courthouse on Main Street which handles civil and probate matters, the Costello Courthouse is dedicated to criminal justice and family law. It is a busy multi-story government building that also accommodates offices for the State's Attorney, the Office of Child Support, and Probation and Parole services, creating a centralized complex for the county's legal and social service needs.

Court Divisions and Functions

The Criminal Division at this location handles the prosecution and adjudication of all criminal offenses within the county, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. It conducts arraignments, bail hearings, jury trials, and sentencing. The Family Division, also based here, presides over domestic relations cases including divorce, legal separation, and child custody disputes. It is also the venue for juvenile proceedings, such as delinquency and youthful offender cases, as well as requests for Relief from Abuse orders (restraining orders) which are critical for victims of domestic violence.

• Criminal Division: Processing arraignments, plea hearings, and trials for state offenses.
• Family Division: Managing divorces, parentage actions, and child support modifications.
• Juvenile Court: Overseeing child protection (CHINS) and juvenile delinquency cases.
• Protective Orders: Issuing emergency Relief from Abuse orders for safety.
• Support Services: Housing the Office of Child Support and Victim Advocacy.

Security and Operations

As the primary location for criminal and family matters, the Costello Courthouse operates under strict security protocols maintained by the Chittenden County Sheriff's Department. All visitors must pass through an airport-style security checkpoint upon entry, which includes magnetometers and x-ray screening for bags. Electronic devices such as cell phones are generally permitted but must be silenced and cannot be used for recording or photography inside the courtrooms. The building is fully accessible to the public and features elevators and ADA-compliant facilities to ensure equal access to justice for all community members.